"Media Law": Guaranteeing Freedom of Opinion

State Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Media and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, affirmed that the issuance of the law regulating the media represents a significant step in the process of developing and modernizing Kuwait’s legislative media framework, laying the foundation for a new phase that enhances media freedoms and entrenches responsible professional practice. He explained that the new legislation reflects a shift toward greater freedoms, reduced restrictions, and the development of the regulatory environment for media work, while providing a clearer legal framework for media institutions, journalists, and media professionals, thereby supporting creativity, content diversity, and enhancing Kuwait’s standing and media ecosystem.

Minister Al-Omar stressed that media freedom remains a cornerstone of Kuwait’s approach, and that updating media legislation aims to reinforce this freedom and consolidate responsible professional practice while safeguarding the rights, values, and fundamental principles of individuals and society.

The Official Gazette, “Al-Kuwait Al-Yawm,” published yesterday a decree-law No. 102 of 2026, issuing the Law Regulating the Media. Article Two of the aforementioned decree-law tasked the competent minister with issuing the executive regulations for this law within six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, as well as issuing the necessary decisions to implement its provisions.

Article Three obliged owners of the media activities mentioned in this law and existing at the time of its implementation to regularize their status in accordance with its provisions within six months from the date of issuance of the executive regulations; failure to do so within this period will result in the cancellation of their licenses.

Article Four repealed Law No. 3 of 2006 concerning Publications and Publishing, Law No. 61 of 2007 concerning Audiovisual and Radio Media, and Law No. 8 of 2016 Regulating Electronic Media, as well as any other provision conflicting with the provisions of this law.

The explanatory memorandum stated that this law aims to address legislative gaps resulting from rapid technological developments, while reinforcing constitutional principles governing press freedoms and freedom of expression. It emphasized that the media environment has undergone radical transformations due to the digital revolution, which has reshaped concepts of broadcasting, publishing, and influence.

The explanatory memorandum noted that the law dedicates space to affirming general and constitutional principles governing media activities, foremost among them guaranteeing freedom of opinion, expression, press, printing, and publishing. It also highlighted provisions related to newspapers and publications, audiovisual and radio media, technical broadcasting and rebroadcasting services, electronic media, the activities of influencers and advertisers on social media platforms, news agencies, journalists of Arab and foreign newspapers and channels, artistic production companies, cinema films and screening venues, artistic, musical, and vocal performances, as well as advertising and promotion.